A Certified Nurse-Midwife is a registered nurse with advanced training in midwifery. CNMs are licensed, independent healthcare providers with prescriptive authority in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
According to the American Midwifery Certification Board, there are over 11,000 CNMs currently certified. Midwifery education programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, and currently there are 39 accredited midwifery education programs in the United States.
CNMs offer professional yet personalized care that takes into account the physical, social and spiritual needs of each individual. We are committed to developing a close rapport with our clients, providing ongoing patient and family education and promotion of individual responsibility for health.
CNMs believe in providing unbiased, accessible health care to all individuals that respects human dignity, individuality and diversity. We believe in education and full informed consent so that individuals may make conscientious health care decisions.
CNMs have a long history of providing safe, satisfying, family-centered care. A report by the Institute of Medicine notes that CNMs are particularly effective in managing the care of pregnant women, and that such care results in fewer premature and low birth weight babies.
A CNM knows the art of supporting normal pregnancy, labor and birth. She also knows how and when to use technology and medically appropriate interventions to ensure safety of mother and baby when things deviate from normal. She also is an expert at recognizing complications, and utilizing physician consultation when indicated.